Exterior Insulation Finish Systems (EIFS)

Abstract

This Presentation Will Concentrate On The Forensic Engineering Evaluation Of Exterior Insulation Finish System (Eifs). The Case Involved Major Leakage In The Walls Of A Very Nice Condominium Located On The Atlantic Ocean Beach. The First Overall Look At The Building, The Building Appeared To Be Very Tight With No Obvious Paths Of Water Intrusion. Verification Of Water Leakage With Moisture Meters And Visible Stains In The Units Required An Answer Of Why This Nearly New Building Was Leaking So Profusely. First, The Construction Must Be Investigated And Compared To The Design Documents. The Design Documents Must Then Be Compared To Applicable Code Requirements And Practical Construction Considerations. The Damage And Cause For The Failure Must Be Established. Finally, The Extent Of Remedial Work Required To Rehabilitate The Structure Must Be Defined. Adequate Testing And Investigation Must Be Completed To Assure The Repair Will Solve The Problems That Were Identified. During Each Step Of The Investigation One Must Be Preparing For The Ultimate Question, What Specifically Is The Reason For The Failure, Who Is Responsible For That Failure And What Is Your Basis For That Opinion. The Most Common Recommended Solution To Serious System Water Leakage Defects Is To Caulk And Repaint, This Often Exacerbates The Problems And Makes The Ultimate Solution Much More Difficult And Expensive.